Following the historic Great North Run and its millionth finisher, Newcastle University is launching a new degree that highlights the health benefits of physical exercise.  

Starting in September 2015, the Exercise Biomedicine BSc Honours programme explores how exercise protects our bodies against a range of diseases and promotes healthy ageing. Taught by leading academics in the Newcastle University Medical Faculty, the course will be the one of the few in the country to have a strong connection between sport and medicine. 

Professor Suzanne Cholerton, Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching at Newcastle University, said: “With the region looking forward to celebrating the millionth runner in the Great North Run it seemed a fitting time to announce our first ever Sports Science degree at Newcastle University. 

“The course will be quite distinctive as it combines our long-standing reputation in medical research with the University’s sports traditions. It will help students gain knowledge of current major advances in the scientific understanding of the role of exercise in maintaining human health.

“In addition, the Exercise Biomedicine degree places a strong emphasis on employability, with graduates developing a full range of skills to meet the needs of employers in this growing field.”

Dave Newton, Managing Director of Nova International – the organisers of the Great North Run, commented: “The launch of this sports science degree goes hand-in-hand with the huge amount of passion the region has for sporting events. 

“Nova International prides itself on encouraging individuals to stay active and take on new challenges as part of a healthier lifestyle; the new course will act as another branch of this aim, and will allow future students to learn about a topic that is very close to our hearts.”

The close link between teaching and research and the strong research base in the Medical School ensures that the latest technology is available to students.

Professor Michael Trenell (pictured), Senior Research Fellow at Newcastle University is one of the course leaders. He explains:  “The Exercise Biomedicine degree will help students improve their understanding of the relationship between exercise and human health.

“It will also give them an opportunity to develop their research skills by undertaking a project in one of Newcastle University’s top-ranking Research Institutes. Optional modules also allow students to tailor the degree programme to their interests and career aspirations.“

In addition to the leading clinical research work carried in the Medical Faculty, Newcastle University is one of the leading universities for sport in the UK, consistently ranking highly in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league. 

More than 50 student-led sports clubs are supported through a team of professional staff and a network of indoor and outdoor sports facilities based over four sites.    

published on: 3 September 2014